ORLANDO, Fla. – (September 25, 2020)
The YMCA of Central Florida has kicked off a new fundraising drive this week called the IMAGINE campaign to help the nonprofit continue to meet critical community needs as it faces roughly a $3 million shortage stemming from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Y is currently operating a reduced number of locations and programs as revenue and staffing levels have been reduced by over half. “Having our facilities, programs, and services closed for 10 weeks during the onset of the pandemic had an immediate and severe financial negative impact on the Y” said Colleen Manahan, chief financial officer for the YMCA of Central Florida. “Despite taking swift action to reduce costs and manage expenses, the prolonged effects of the pandemic remain.”
As a nonprofit serving Central Florida for 135 years, the Y relies on the generosity and support of the community to help carry out its mission and improve lives in spirit, mind, and body. “Throughout our history, when Central Florida and the YMCA faced challenging circumstances together, neighbors came forward and answered the call to sustain their Y because they knew that a thriving Y created a thriving community.” said Claire Fournier, vice president of philanthropy for the YMCA of Central Florida. That’s why we created the IMAGINE Campaign. Just imagine the good we can do together when we invest in the Y? Thousands of children will continue have a safe place to learn and grow, families can continue to become healthier together and adults can continue to grow stronger. The Y truly is for all.”
Funds raised from the IMAGINE campaign will be applied to help preserve the Y’s ability to meet immediate financial obligations and continue serving the community while the economy and consumer confidence recover. “It’s about investing in the lives of your neighbors and in your community.” said Karen Brown, YMCA of Central Florida metro board member and fundraising chair. “Generations of neighbors who came before us did their part to make sure the Y was here for us to enjoy. Now, it’s our time to do our part and make sure the Y remains here for our kids and future generations.”
For more information about the IMAGINE campaign, please visit our IMAGINE Fund webpage or contact Claire Fournier, Vice President of Philanthropy.
To donate, visit ymcacf.org/give.
About the YMCA of Central Florida
The YMCA of Central Florida is one of the area’s largest nonprofits, serving hundreds of thousands of Central Floridians per year through a focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. With a Christian-based mission to improve lives and communities, it operates YMCA locations across six counties. This mission is expanded beyond the four walls of the Y through community-based programs to combat chronic disease, boost children’s after-school safety and learning, and strengthen neighborhoods. To learn more, visit ymcacf.org and follow on Facebook or Instagram.